In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

EZEKIEL 17:23KJV
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Ezekiel 17:23 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 17:23 mean?

Ezekiel 17:23 describes God’s promise to plant a tree on Israel’s highest mountain, where it will grow strong, bear fruit, and become a beautiful cedar that shelters birds of every kind in its branches. This verse uses the image of a flourishing tree to show a future time of blessing, growth, and safety for Israel.

In this part of the book, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel during their exile. The verse comes near the end of a parable about trees and eagles, where God contrasts failed human leadership with His own plan to restore and protect His people. The “mountain of the height of Israel” points to a place of honor, and the “goodly cedar” is often understood as a symbol of a strong, enduring kingdom.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 17:23

  • “mountain” (הַר, har) and “height” (מָרוֹם, marom): These words together emphasize a place of prominence or exaltation, suggesting that what God plants will be set in a position of honor and visibility.
  • “plant” (שָׁתַל, shatal): This word means to firmly set or establish, highlighting that God’s action is intentional and lasting, not temporary or accidental.
  • “goodly” (אֲדִיר, addir): This term means majestic or noble, showing that the cedar is not just any tree, but one that is impressive and worthy of respect.
  • “fowl” (צִפּוֹר, tsippor) and “wing” (כָּנָף, kanaph): These words point to birds of every kind, which in the context often represent people from many nations finding shelter and safety.

Why Ezekiel 17:23 matters

  • Ezekiel 17:23 clarifies that God Himself will restore Israel, not through human rulers but by His own direct action, overturning the failures described earlier in the chapter.
  • The verse uses rich imagery to show that God’s restored kingdom is meant to be a place of blessing and refuge, not just for Israel but for many others (“all fowl of every wing”).
  • This promise stands in contrast to the judgment and exile the people were experiencing, offering hope and a vision of a new beginning rooted in God’s faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“boughs” Hebrew H6057 · used in 7 verses

  • Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
  • Ezekiel 17:8 It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
  • Ezekiel 36:8 But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come.

“branches” Hebrew H1808 · used in 8 verses

  • Jeremiah 11:16 The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.
  • Ezekiel 17:7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.
  • Ezekiel 31:7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.

“plant” Hebrew H8362 · used in 10 verses

  • Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
  • Ezekiel 17:8 It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.
  • Ezekiel 19:10 Thy mother is like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.

“goodly” Hebrew H117 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 15:10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
  • Psalms 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
  • Jeremiah 25:34 Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel.